HANDLE BARS NYC - GLOBAL INC.
Frank Caiafa
Making Bars Better
Built in New York.
Sharpened over twenty five years.
Handle Bars NYC / Global partners with hotels and hospitality groups to build beverage programs that perform — from menu architecture and cost management to staff training and brand identity.
Frank Caiafa founded Handle Bars NYC / Global Inc. in 2008 during a twelve-year tenure as Beverage Director of Peacock Alley and La Chine — the iconic flagship outlets of The Waldorf Astoria New York. Over that career, he built and ran one of the most recognized hotel beverage programs in the world, setting the operational, service, and creative standards that define luxury bar hospitality.
His work spans menu design, pre-opening advisement, staff training, and brand development — and it's guided by the same principle whether the client is a 10-seat cocktail bar in SoHo or a resort property in Boca Raton: the beverage program should feel intentional and give guests a reason to return.
Frank is also the author of The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book (Penguin), a 2017 James Beard Award finalist and Spirited Award nominee.
Handle Bars NYC / Global Inc, has been called upon for its expertise in a wide array of oncepts. Selected projects include:
The Arizona Biltmore
The InterContinental NY Barclay
M Social Times Square
The Towers of The Waldorf Astoria
The NY Hilton Midtown
The Fairmont Austin
The Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels, MD)
The Long Bar at The Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai
The Garden City Hotel
Waterstone Resort & Marina in Boca Raton
The Vault at Pfaff's
Frank's writing, recipes, reviews, and illustrations have appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Whisky Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, VinePair, Punch, Barleycorn Drinks and numerous other beverage books.
He has also served as a judge at many high-profile industry events, including blind tastings and cocktail competitions.